The global herbalism community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of John Gallagher, a pioneering educator, innovator, and co-founder of LearningHerbs, whose work transformed how people learn and connect with plant-based healing. Gallagher passed away following a courageous battle with stress, depression, insomnia, and anxiety—a struggle he faced with quiet bravery and vulnerability.
His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of students, colleagues, friends, and countless herbalists whose lives he touched through his work and presence. Revered not only for his contributions to herbal education but also for his compassion, creativity, and humility, Gallagher’s impact is immeasurable.
John Gallagher wasn’t just an herbalist—he was a visionary who reshaped the landscape of herbal education. At a time when herbal knowledge was largely shared in small circles or in-person gatherings, he saw an opportunity to widen the reach of that wisdom. Through LearningHerbs, the digital platform he co-founded with his wife, Kimberly, Gallagher launched the first virtual herbal mentorship program of its kind—bringing plant-based learning to homes around the world.
That program would go on to inspire a generation of herbalists, from absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners, and pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant herbal community.
His innovation didn’t stop with online learning. In an effort to reach even younger audiences, Gallagher created Wildcraft!, an educational herbal board game that infused joy and curiosity into the study of plants and nature. His creativity was fueled by a deep belief in reconnecting people—especially children and families—with the healing gifts of the natural world.
Gallagher’s podcast, featuring voices from across the herbal spectrum, offered a platform for students, teachers, authors, and community practitioners to share their stories. In doing so, he helped bridge gaps between different herbal traditions and fostered a more united, inclusive space for learning and growth.
Colleagues recall his unique teaching style—gentle, empowering, and deeply human. Rather than positioning himself as a distant expert, Gallagher invited learners into a shared journey. He encouraged curiosity, self-trust, and personal exploration, always reminding students that the most important connection was the one they built with the plants themselves.
As tributes continue to pour in across social media, one message echoes among them all: Gallagher was more than a teacher—he was a friend, a mentor, and a generous soul who radiated warmth, humility, and hope.
Gallagher’s openness about his mental health struggles in recent years—particularly around burnout and the pressures of leading in a rapidly evolving field—served as a powerful reminder of the invisible burdens so many carry. In life and in death, he continues to call for greater compassion, awareness, and community care, especially for those who appear to be pillars of strength and healing.
John Gallagher’s memory lives on in every lesson shared through LearningHerbs, every player of Wildcraft!, every podcast listener, and every budding herbalist inspired by his gentle guidance. His legacy is rooted not only in knowledge, but in the hearts of the people he uplifted, the wisdom he passed on, and the love he poured into everything he did.